Ten popular reasons that prevent job applicants from receiving offers.

By Ken Sundheim

While there are hundreds of reasons why job interviews don't go as well as they could, some are more common than others. Though, contrary to popular belief, not all outcomes are the interviewer’s fault, nor are the outcomes always in the interviewer’s control. Here are ten popular reasons that prevent job applicants from receiving offers:

1. The interviewee has not done his or her research on the company

When the interviewee has not done his or her research on the company they are interviewing with, there is virtually no chance they will get the offer. Despite how much the company likes them as a person or how fitting their past experience is, showing a lack of knowledge regarding the company you’re interviewing with results in instant rejection.

2. There is a disconnect in personalities between the interviewer and interviewee

Every now and then, an interviewer will go into the meeting with a preconceived notion of what the interviewee should say. As someone going for a job, it is difficult to successfully conduct an interview with an individual who wants a certain answer. However, it does happen.

4. There are more qualified applicants for the position

If a company has rigid background requirements for a particular job, the recruiting party will heavily analyze the applicants' backgrounds and closely compare them. While factors such as likability matter to employers, applicant qualifications are typically higher priority.

5. The job applicant is asking for too much money

Whether it’s not in a company’s budget or another qualified candidate is asking for less money, there are times when perfectly qualified candidates get turned away for asking for too much.

6. The interviewee's past raises questions about his or her ability to stay at one job

The most desired employees are the ones who have demonstrated longevity with previous employers and can execute necessary tasks while remaining autonomous. When a job seeker has jumped from position to position, employers have good reason to be skeptical about their loyalty.

7. The company decides to postpone hiring

For a myriad of reasons outside of the interviewee's control, companies may postpone hiring for a previously listed position.

8. The applicant does not show interest in the position

I always tell job applicants to appear upbeat and enthusiastic about the job. When a hiring manager feels that a job seeker is indifferent as to whether they get the position, the majority of the time, that interviewee will not see an offer, or a second interview.

9. The proposed salary does not meet the candidate’s requirements

Hiring companies can make the mistake of offering a compensation package that falls extremely short of the candidate’s expectations, which can cause candidates to immediately walk away.

10. The hiring company has rigid requirements

Every now and again, hiring managers will have artificially inflated expectations for the role they are trying to fill, which will prevent them from seeing the positive aspects of any job applicant who is not perfect on paper.

There are so many reasons why interviewees don't receive a job offer. I always tell job seekers that they can only control their actions and have to leave the rest up to chance.

Still looking for that perfect job? Sign up for TheLadders today to view your job matches or download our free app.

Ken Sundheim is the CEO of KAS Placement Recruiters, an executive search firm based out of New York City specializing in sales and marketing recruitment of all levels. Follow Ken on Twitter at @Ken_Sundheim and through his blog.

This post is written by a guest author. If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please check out our Guest Post Guidelines. By submitting content to our blog, you agree to abide by our blog’s Terms of Use which you can review here. We look forward to hearing from you!

i've read 10 reasons prospective employees did not get the job. i would suggest what solutions you can advice me to resolve some of these problems. i would appreciate if you have suggestions for me. thanks.

I agree with the above comment. Age has become a tremendous barrier to getting the job. I have clients who interview 5-10 times for a position, it gets down to two candidates, and then they are told that the other candidate was "a better fit". This is happening a great deal. what advice would you give?

Steve S

Nice article, any comments on or about AGE (59). Plenty of experience (OPS and Sales), want to work another 15 years. No one talks about age during interview and my salary expectations are fair, I don't even look like 59. I look who gets hired and 90% of the time it's younger candidates. Please respond.

Cyndi R

Agree about the age. Look younger than I am. Was a finalist for a position IF I could present, which I have been doing for years. Was told the job was mine if I could. Had to fly to the final presentation and the company would not allow me to buy the ticket for reimbursement, so had to divulge my birthdate to get there. Hiring manager called after to tell me I nailed the presentation, but they were going with someone else.

Dennis O

Agreed, age is a factor. I have aced several interviews, have the required qualifications, salary expectations met on both sides then passed over for "another applicant". Frustrating for us in the silver years.

Andrew Pink

Yes I think age is a factor too. I have applied for many positions that I'm eminently qualified for and the application gets "switched off" when my age is disclosed. What an incredibly narrow minded approach. This once again raises the question of the qualifications of the HR people themselves!

Barb R

I totally agree with all previous comments regarding age description. At times I have made it very successfully through several phone interviews, with comments that I sound perfect for the position, only to arrive at the interview facing a table of 20 something males, whose faces literally drop when they see that the highly recommended candidate is a 50 something year old female.(I also appear to be in the mid 40s,) but seemingly 40 or 50 looks ancient to a room full of 20 year olds. Until the economy gets better, older females are definitely at a disadvantage in getting into the few good positions available. My solution that I was forced to do, in lieu of unemployment after being downsized, was to be majorly underemployed at a low level position making half my former 6 figure salary. Still looking for better job but age is a huge hurdle to overcome.

Sabrina W

Age is definitely a factor. Individuals on long term job hunting cycles are being left out because they are seen as being over qualified and are not allowed to transition to other industries where their talents and experience are transferable. Bottom line is there is no perfect way to find the right candidate. Often people have not gotten an offer because simply the hiring manager or recruiter is overlooking platinum as tin.

Ron Stephenson

I have to agree with everything that was said above. Being qualified and able to get along with others comes naturally to older ex-management/executive types. Hard-won skills that would work most anywhere, plus the problem-solving abilities that only an experienced person has earned. Sad to see all this discrimination. I just lost out on a job that was senior management in my field. Iknow age is a big factor.

Ron Stephenson

It's me again, and on second thought, you might just consider opening a business on your own. I did that when I turned 55 and could not buy a job, and 200 resumes later, I was fairly convinced that it was an option. I did that, and played small business owner for 13 years. Had fun, never made any money, but felt fulfulled, and that is gold in anyone's pocket. May do it again, as retirement does not fit me very well.

Richard E. Small

Age is a real problem. If you have a security clearence, the government web site tells them your age!

John

I totally agree. Age is a huge factor. Having been recently downsized, not for performance as I always received great increases a bonuses. But having also applied for many roles I was qualified for, I typically get the we went with someone that was a better fit. That typically translates to someone in the 20 to 30s something range who comes in a lot cheaper as well. I am not pursuing opportunities to also start my own business as well. I am convinced that the age discrimination is alive and well and for those of us over 50+ only option is go out on your own or retire if you can. I also agree with most of you, I am way to young to retire and have much still to offer. Good luck!

Vicki

Re #6, I have stayed at jobs for two years that might look like job hopping but in actuality there were issues that developed at each that made me question my ability to be successful. Don't know if interviewers still see it as job hopping but would like to think that there's more people out there like me who haven't stayed in jobs for 10 years or more, that just doesn't happen much anymore. I always showed loyalty, however. How adding another to the list, which I have experienced many times: they hired someone who they already knew they were going to hire but had to go through the process of promoting the position and interviewing. I didn't get a position I wanted very much, interview went well, wanted a second interview, and laughed when I learned who they had hired sine it has happened so many other times. What does it take?

frustrated

It's funny (in a sad kind of way) that there are so many comments about age. As a 50 plus with years of professional management experience I totally agree. Add to that the fact that you have an extended period of unemployment/underemployment (due to the above mentioned age issues)and things look pretty bleak. But here is the icing on the cake. Add all of the above with being an African American male (as I am) and you quickly move from bleak to hopeless. I know I will be criticized for "playing the race card" but believe me it is real even though it is sometimes unintentional. With all other things being equal it is tough to meet the "fit" test when you don't look like the people doing the hiring. All of us feel more comfortable around people who are like ourselves. When someone does not look like you it is easy to feel uneasy or that they don't quite fit. Believe me I have seen this from both sides of the table and it is real.

Concerned

It concerns me that the comments are all in regard to an aging job market. Maybe the writers have become blind by their unemployment and have become skeptical and need to refresh their outlook on life. Marketing can help with this issue as well since we live in an aging society and the age for receiving Social Security benefits is increasing as we grow older (70 is now retirement). Thus, 401k's and other retirement packages will be important. The more we don't work as a team the further behind the world will become.

Andrew Pink

As a mature individual, (50's) I have learned to be introspective and to judge myself by old fashioned professional ethics and the value that I bring my employer. The standard these days appears to be indifference and apathy, what a shame!

Ron Stephenson

There needs to be hope out there that an 'awakening' will occur, and there will be employers who value experience above age, and a degree with no real-life experience. Having trained interns in my field, I have learned that the most qualified on paper do not necessarily work out to be productive employees. We need to start looking further into people's backgrounds, talking to their former employers and bouncing them off other personnel. Consensus is a great tool, and for many, it does not occur that this is perhaps the most vital criteria. A good 'fit'? Please!

steve

How about because you were being asked technical questions on a phone interview by someone probably in the country on an H1-B visa who couldn't speak English and you had to ask the question to be repeated 2 or 3 times making you look stupid while two perfectly good English speakers sat by on the same interview apparently thinking this was appropriate.

Steve

Re. #6 - especially difficult to get interviewer to recognize that consultants often have to "hop" b/c of economic instability, legal rulings, m&a, etc. Also, as a Project Manager - by definition the assignment is temporary in nature - very frustrating.....

ebo

for the C - good reading

Andrew Pink

...or maybe it's because, in the first instance, you are talking to a computer that's looking for triggers to allow you to pass to the next level and the age criteria prevents entry! De-humanization at the first step! Even if you do actually meet an HR human being, in most cases they don't have the guts to call you personally to advise you of your being passed over, they just send you an automated email-gutless!

Ron Stephenson

It has become cold and impersonal, and you are deliberately held at arm's length. Things have changed drastically, but there is still the old standby: networking. Still the best shot at anything these days. The other alternative that is seldom considered is 'downsizing' on your expectations. Money can no longer be the goal, and a lesser job with fewer responsibilities can be an enjoyable experience. One highly technical person who once worked for my brother in marketing is now an employee at a home improvement center, working in the garden shop, and admits to never being happier. My choice, at 75, is to look for an existing business or to start one from scratch. With four small businesses under my belt, this looks like my only alternative.

Chris

I can't echo enough, loud and clear, about the age discrimination. After being 'bought' by a competing company only to be told that you are going to work yourself out of a job (the computer system you support is no longer needed !)and then finally being let go at age 59+, doesn't give anyone the warm fuzzies !! I agree with the comment on networking so you can hopefully circumvent the computerized qualifications software scan. Being 'shuffled' off because of your age (and some companies I've applied to have actually asked when I graduated high school -- the gall !)is very irksome. Regardless of it all and with recently losing a younger sister to Lou Gehrig's disease, I think that I might just retire for good and enjoy my short and precious life. If I need human contact, I'll volunteer my time and give back to the community and the world ! Best of luck to everyone as you seek future employment or whatever gives you purpose in your life !!

Kathy G

Looking for work is one of the more humiliating experiences one encounters. I, too, have felt the anger and frustration and often futility of looking for work only to lose out to younger candidates. I possess qualifications and experiences that meet and exceed the job expectations, I am an executive who has remained current in my industry and field. I have professional certification so I maintain CEU and am active in my professional organization. I am financially not able to retire and wish I could so I wouldn't have to deal with the day to day embarrassment of people asking me "have you found something" yet...

Aktiva

Age is rarely a defining factor all by itself.

What companies fear about older workers is inflexibility: .....This is the way we always did it at X company.......Senior candidates should focus more in interview about the New things they would learn: new ideas they would like to try in their next role, keep the interview future focused.....Show they are current......not: here is what I did 20 years ago. Comments like: I don't believe in that Facebook nonsense identifies you as someone not with the times.......When the competition is 30 yrs old: you have to show that you are also in the current lane.........but with all this critical thinking and wisdom to not make the mistakes younger workers make. Any interview that goes down memory lane about the good old days is likely doomed. Employers want to hire solutions to current and future problems...........not reactive the 8 Track Tape.

Diane

Sounds like all those 50 somethings need to pool their resources & experience and start a consulting business for helping people over 50 find employment. Call it 50+ employment service..... Just an idea.... as everyone seems to have the same problem. I bet you can find some employers that are willing to hire 50 somethings.

Aktiva: great comment. I think people over 50 need to rebrand themselves. They need to demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and understanding what is needed to be successful in today's world. They need to reframe how they are seen by a "younger" workforce -- if they are seen as a parent figure, they are dead in the water.

Richard E Small

I, to was laid off a "direct" job the month after I turned 65. Since my project was not completed, they hired me back as a consultant. Then they wanted me to train a H1B to do my job! I knew enough to "pretend" to train the guy, but eventually they caught on and, first reduced my hours to 10 per week, then let me go because the "contract had ended." Which was a lie.

kenneth moss

age is major factor in getting hired and i know this for a fact i've been unemployed for 14 months now and when i applied for a job at mcdonalds i was up against 20 something year ols and for a guy my age to work for $7.25 how can you support your family on that. age is a factor i'll be 50 next year. its ashame we have to go against 20 something year old including trying to get a mcdonalds job for $7.25 kenneth moss

Ben Shelton

I thought this might be helpful@

Jona Mullins

Yep, gotta agree...since my hair got a little silver and my wasteline a little bigger, my knowledge and experience seems to be of diminished value compared to young and handsome.

Ron Stephenson

Enough with the excuses gang. It is tough right now for anyone to get a job, unless you want to wash pots or flip burgers. Sure, you are at a disadvantage if you are older, and your experience will not count for much unless it is really specialized and that firm or individual needs your talents. You may want to consider advertising yourself as a consultant in your field. Many companies have wised up to the fact that you can get a 'temp' to solve the problem(s), and wave them goodbye when the job is done. You can ask insane money and get away with it. Small ads in a few low-dollar local rags may be just the ticket. You could try trade magazines that you used to subscribe to also. Some small businesses are looking for someone to step in and run their place, so if you know someone who would like to retire and retain ownership, and their son-in-law just does not have the interest or brains, offer your services. It boils down to being 'up to you'. The headhunters want young candidates.

ferd

Experience is a Catch-22. Employers demand a lot of it, but at the same time they don't understand that you age while you get it.

Unrealistic requirements! You not only need to meet every stated requirement exactly, but you also have to meet several unpublished requirements. Even in-depth company research can’t prepare you for that.

Fake jobs created by recruiters, or by HR trying to justify its own job. I recently saw a job advertised by a company where I had an inside contact (and that job was parroted by several recruiting firms). My contact couldn’t verify that the opening existed (in fact, they were having a hiring freeze). Later he told me that an HR person admitted that they post job ads to “keep their in-baskets full”.

Tricia

I was "let go" do to downsizing at 51. The year before, a 20 something recent college grad who spoke broken English was hired to assist me. I was at that company for 9 years (also a college grad). I was asked to train her as my backup (which I didn't believe). Sure enough, who gets the boot this year? Yours truly. I'm feeling like it's going to be a difficult time to find a job. Only 2 interviews which were terrible to say the least. I would like to start a small business but am unsure of how since I've always been employed by somebody else. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Ron Stephenson

Getting 'replaced' is a common practice in most every business. Even in the not-for-profits. Overhead is the big issue, and if you are with a company, you naturally get raises and benefit increases. You become a liability as the cost to keep you grows. Sorry, but the old days of keeping good people are gone, and even with union support, the new term, 'downsizing' has taken hold. Pensions are killing off businesses, as they draw down on profits. Harsh reality, but true. One word of advice before even considering starting a business of your own; research. It is not enough to have the capital to do it. You have to have a plan, and you have to realize what the competition is. If you like a particular business, then get a job with one of them and learn the ropes. OK, you won't be hired as the chief executive, but you will learn the ropes. This if money and time well spent.

Wendy

I am in the same boat, only not over 50......46. The travel industry took a dive. I went to travel sch right after high school and it was my career for 20 years. Been applying for customer service jobs....which is basically what a travel agent does..but, perhaps because my experience was in a specialized field, I am not getting hired. Self esteem is going down the toilet. Been unemployed 3 years now and am waitressing at a yacht club. Ughh! I sympathize with everyone else out there having to battle similar issues. (BTW,....my previous job ended when company closed my office due to economy) Good luck to you all. If you don't mind, wish me the same please.

Abdulwahab Alashaby

Age is a barrier to land on a job. One factor we always forget is the fact that some interviewers are afraid from the interviewee to take over their position in due course if his/her qualifications and experiences exceed those of the interviewers: eg: if you were interviewed for a position of assistant finance officer reporting to the chief finance officer and if your credentials are better than his/hers, then make sure that you won't land that job.

Victor

This has been very interesting reading for a Monday morning. I'm about to turn fifty-seven. I'm told I could easily be taken for being ten years younger. I've been looking for nine months and have had several interviews. Two within the last week. The phone interviews go well. I'm called in in for a face to face and feel that the interviews also go well. These are positions I'm well qualified for and am willing to take a salary cut. However, the people I meet withare nearly all twenty something. I wait a week or two to hear back, nothing. I contact them for some news and again, nothing. When, someone does reply it often feels that they are hurt or annoyed that you would like to know their decision. One of the other comments mentioned self esteem, what self esteem.

frustrated

Victor has hit on another key issue. I understand that HR folks are busy and cannot respond to every applicant, however if you have been interviewed I feel the decent thing to do is to give feedback on the job status - even if just to say they choose another applicant. You can't tell me that they do not have time to give feedback to the handful of people who actually get an interview. Personally I believe there is a special spot in hell reserved for these inconsiderate and downright mean HR folks. These are peoples' lives they are playing with.